Find your way around the City of Dunfermline and the Villages of West Fife
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Dunfermline Street Plan also covers the former Royal Burgh of Culross and several other West Fife villages. These are listed in the panel below the buttons on the left.
Dunfermline is Fife's largest town if Rosyth is included (2001 population, 51,657). Chosen as the site of a Benedictine Abbey, the city was for three centuries the seat of the Scottish kings. It is well known as the burial place of King Robert the Bruce, and as the birthplace of Charles I (the last monarch born in Scotland), but its greatest son was undoubtedly Andrew Carnegie who became the USA's greatest steel manufacturer and the world's most renowned philanthropist. To this day, Andrew Carnegie's generosity to his home town is very apparent. Once renowned for its linen, Dunfermline is now a centre for electronics, distribution and financial services. A large scale easterly expansion of the town, involving a considerable range of private house builders, is currently in progress.
The town has a good range of modern shops, both chain stores and local businesses. The retail focus is on the pedestrianised High Street which, in common with some of the steep and narrow side streets and wynds, retains much of its traditional character. Dunfermline is easily reached by road and rail - direct motorway access and two railway stations, the original Dunfermline 'Town' Station and the new Queen Margaret Station, close to the hospital of the same name.
Dunfermline Abbey and Palace - Dunfermline's most celebrated ancient building is the Abbey, founded by Queen Margaret. The most significant survival is the Norman nave, dating from 1128, (see view of the west front on right). The 19th century parish church, which replaced the eastern end of the great monastic church, overlies Robert the Bruce's burial site. To the south are the remains of the Benedictine abbey's monastic buildings, also open to the public, including the Palace created from the Abbot's Guest House by King James IV in 1540.
Pittencrieff Park ('The Glen') - This well-maintained and popular public park, with good views of Dunfermline Abbey, was purchased by Andrew Carnegie for the people of Dunfermline in 1902. A walk round the park, together with visits to the Abbey and Palace, can make a very pleasant afternoon out and is thoroughly recommended.
Abbot House - This 16th century town house has been converted into a very interesting local heritage centre or museum, telling the history of Dunfermline. Some of the more modern murals may be considered a little brash, however!
Carnegie Birthplace and Museum - The humble cottage where Carnegie was born is in fitting contrast with the adjoining memorial hall where the great man is honoured.
Malcolm Canmore's Tower - Scanty castle remains within Pittencrieff Park.
St Margaret's Cave - A place of pilgrimage with a difference; now under a modern car park, this place of worship is well worth a visit.
City Chambers - Dunfermline's traditional seat of local government, shown on the top left photograph, is an imposing landmark.
Tourist Information Centre - Well located at the foot of the High Street, near the Abbey, this information centre is the place to obtain further, detailed information on Dunfermline, together with assistance in finding accommodation, etc.
Main Recreational Facilities
Pittencrieff Park - As described above. The park includes flower gardens, teahouse, music pavilion, children's play facilities, glasshouses, aviary, sylvan walks, etc.
Dunfermline Public Park - A large area of open space defining the east edge of the town centre, with children's play facilities and a bandstand.
Carnegie Leisure Centre - Modern leisure centre based on the swimming pool and gymnasium facilities gifted by Andrew Carnegie.
Carnegie Hall and Music Institute - Again, these are impressive facilities endowed by Andrew Carnegie
East End Park - The ground of Dunfermline Athletic Football Club at Halbeath Road.
Town Loch - The home of the Scottish National Water Ski Centre.
All of the above attractions are shown on the Dunfermline Street Plan, plus comprehensive listing and locations of:
* Additional antiquities and places of interest
* Further parks, leisure and recreational facilities
* Schools and colleges; places of worship
* Hospitals, health centres and other welfare facilities
Much more than can reasonably be located on this or any other web site!
Culross - A charming and remarkable survival of 17th century Scotland. Thanks to the National Trust for Scotland, the ancient houses and public buildings of this photogenic Royal Burgh of about 500 inhabitants have been restored for posterity. Notable buildings include Culross Abbey (founded in 1217), the 16th century Culross Palace, the Tolbooth (1626) and The Study (1633 - photograph on left). Again, a really great place for an afternoon (or day!) out.
Kincardine on Forth - Like Culross, Kincardine (2001 population - 3,035) was once a Perthshire town! Although rather overshadowed by existing or former power stations and some amazingly incongruous high-rise blocks of flats, many old buildings survive, including the 17th century Mercat Cross, the roofless old Tulliallan Parish Kirk (1675) and a large number of cottages and houses in Scots vernacular style (many unfortunately rather spoiled by unsympathetic window alterations).
Charlestown - An attractive estate 'model' village, laid out by the Earl of Elgin in the second part of the 18th century. Charlestown Harbour is overlooked by a very impressive range of two-hundred year old lime kilns, cut into the cliff-face.
Limekilns - Interesting old village by the Firth of Forth with pier and 'King's Cellar' dating from the 16th century. Like Dunfermline itself, Limekilns (2001 population - 1,411) has become to some extent a 'dormitory' settlement for Edinburgh commuters.
R P A Smith's Dunfermline Street Plan also includes the following villages:
Blairhall
Cairneyhill
Carnock
Comrie (Fife)
Crossford
Culross
Halbeath
High Valleyfield
Kincardine
Kingseat
Limekilns
Low Valleyfield
Newmills
Oakley
Saline
Torryburn
